The recipient of first Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Conservation was:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2: Ganga Ram Bishnoi

The correct answer is Ganga Ram Bishnoi, who was the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Conservation. This award was instituted by the Government of India in the memory of Amrita Devi Bishnoi, a woman from the Bishnoi community who, along with 362 others, sacrificed her life in 1730 while protecting a patch of Khejri trees in Khejarli, Rajasthan. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have shown exemplary courage and dedication in the field of wildlife protection. Ganga Ram Bishnoi, a member of the same community, was chosen as the very first awardee for his dedicated and consistent efforts in protecting the endangered wildlife of the Thar Desert region. His work focused on the strict protection of animals like the Blackbuck (a species historically cherished by the Bishnoi people) and the Chinkara, demonstrating exceptional commitment to conservation on the ground, which aligns perfectly with the spirit and legacy of Amrita Devi Bishnoi.

The incorrect option is 1: Dr. Ragini Shah

Dr. Ragini Shah is an incorrect option as she is primarily known for her contributions in the fields of education and vocational training, particularly in areas like art, craft, and home science. While her contributions to society are significant, they are focused on educational development and human resource building, not on grassroots wildlife conservation in the manner the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Award seeks to honor. There is no historical record or significant public information connecting her to being the first recipient of this particular national award. The selection criteria are very specific to those who demonstrate self-sacrifice and extraordinary commitment to protecting biodiversity.

The incorrect option is 3: Rajendra Singh

Rajendra Singh is a highly respected and well-known environmentalist, often referred to as the "Waterman of India," and is a winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Stockholm Water Prize. His monumental work revolves around water conservation, focusing on traditional rainwater harvesting methods and the revival of dried-up rivers in Rajasthan. While his environmental work is crucial and has saved countless communities, his primary area of expertise and national recognition is hydro-ecology and water resource management. He did not receive the inaugural Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Conservation, as his focus is distinct from the primary criteria of direct wildlife and forest protection.

The incorrect option is 4: Gauri Maulekhi

Gauri Maulekhi is a prominent animal welfare and rights activist, known for her advocacy and work toward legislative reform for the protection of animals in India. She is the founder of an animal welfare organization and has successfully lobbied for legal changes that strengthen animal protection laws. Although her dedication to animal life is unquestionable, the Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Conservation specifically honors individuals in the field of *wildlife* conservation who exhibit field-level protection efforts. More importantly, she was not the person honored with the first iteration of this award.